Junior Solicitor (Criminal Law Practice, ACT)

Aboriginal Legal Service; Canberra; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Not-for-profit salary packaging

Annual leave loading 17.5%

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Aboriginal Legal Service in Canberra is seeking a Junior Solicitor to join the Criminal Law Practice. You will provide culturally appropriate legal services to Aboriginal clients, appearing in bail and court proceedings across ACT, and managing a busy caseload with thorough research and advocacy.

The role requires a current ACT Practising Certificate or ability to obtain it, strong advocacy and research skills, and a commitment to justice and cultural safety.

Qualifications

• ACT Practising Certificate with current criminal law knowledge.
• Advocacy experience with ability to appear in lists, bail applications and sentences.
• Understanding of issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Excellent communication, legal research, analytical, problem-solving and time management skills, with the ability to work autonomously.
• Ability to manage a diverse workload, meet deadlines and use MS Office.
• Strong respect for Aboriginal cultural practices and ability to obtain required checks.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality, culturally appropriate criminal law advice and representation to Aboriginal clients.
• Appear in bail, first appearances, lists, sentences and defended hearings across the ACT courts.
• Research, prepare and manage matters, briefs, files and a busy court-based caseload.
• Build respectful relationships with clients, colleagues and stakeholders, recognising cultural and individual needs.
• Maintain strong legal knowledge, professional standards, compliance and effective practice systems.
• Contribute to law reform, professional development, team collaboration and mentoring of junior solicitors.

Skills

ACT Practising Certificate

Advocacy experience

Communication skills

Legal research

Time management

Autonomy

Microsoft Office Suite

Cultural awareness

Education

ACT Practising Certificate or ability to obtain immediately

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Junior Solicitor (Criminal Law Practice, ACT)

• Make a difference where culture, community and justice meet!
• Work across court, client advice, advocacy and case preparation.
• $89,829 - $108,457 + super + salary packaging & leave loading!

Job: 1686107 | Full-Time | Permanent| Canberra, ACT| $89,829 - $108,457 (Based on Experience)

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) was established in a critical act of self-determination over 50 years ago as part of the Aboriginal rights protest movement. We provide high-quality, culturally safe legal and support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people throughout NSW and the ACT, and fight for social justice and equity for our communities.

Your Impact

As a valued member of the Criminal Law Practice, you’ll deliver high-quality, culturally appropriate legal services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients. You’ll provide timely representation across bail, first appearances and related criminal matters, helping achieve positive outcomes for clients. Each day, you will:

• Deliver high-quality, culturally appropriate criminal law advice and representation to Aboriginal clients.
• Appear in bail, first appearances, lists, sentences and defended hearings across the ACT courts.
• Research, prepare and manage matters, briefs, files and a busy court-based caseload.
• Build respectful relationships with clients, colleagues and stakeholders, recognising cultural and individual needs.
• Maintain strong legal knowledge, professional standards, compliance and effective practice systems.
• Contribute to law reform, professional development, team collaboration and mentoring of junior solicitors.

Your Story & Strengths

You are a skilled and motivated Junior Solicitor who brings strong criminal law expertise, advocacy skills and a genuine commitment to justice. You understand and respect the cultural, social and historical context of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and are passionate about delivering culturally appropriate representation and meaningful support to clients and community. Key strengths include:

• An ACT Practising Certificate or ability to obtain immediately, with current criminal law knowledge, practice and procedure.
• Advocacy experience with the ability to appear immediately in lists, bail applications and sentences.
• Understanding of the legal and social issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Excellent communication, legal research, analytical, problem-solving and time management skills, with the ability to work autonomously.
• Ability to manage a diverse workload, meet deadlines and use Microsoft Office Suite effectively.
• Strong understanding and respect for Aboriginal cultural practices, with a current or obtainable ACT Working with Vulnerable People Check and clear National Police Check.

Our Journey Together

At ALS, you’ll find a career that truly matters, one where your work has purpose and impact every day. We are proud to offer a supportive and rewarding environment with a range of generous benefits, including:

• Not-for-profit salary packaging to reduce your tax burden, which means you get to keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket.
• Annual leave loading of 17.5%, ensuring that you are rewarded for your time off and can enjoy a well-deserved break.
• Career and professional development opportunities.

Caring for Community & You

To protect the communities we serve, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of safe recruitment practices. Therefore, it is essential that candidates either possess or have the capacity to obtain a current and valid National Police Check, Working with Children (NSW) or Working with Vulnerable People (ACT) check for this role.

ALS is committed to equal opportunity and cultural safety in recruitment for all candidates. If you identify as a person with a disability and need any adjustments or support throughout the recruitment process, please contact our Talent Team at [e-mail] - we will work with you to ensure an accessible and supportive experience.